All Northwood town articles forwarded to March ballot as written

Wednesday

Feb 6, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Liz Markhlevskayalmark@fosters.com

NORTHWOOD — After a three-hour discussion during Saturday’s deliberative session, town residents approved putting all warrant articles on the March ballot as recommended by the Budget Committee and selectmen.

Town Administrator Brent Lemire said selectmen and the Budget Committee seemed pleased their recommendations were adopted by residents in attendance on Saturday morning.

“(They) did a great job presenting a lean budget to the townspeople,” said Lemire.

Among the approved warrant articles is the proposed operating budget for next year, totaling $3,303,012, which would be an increase of .08 percent over this year’s budget. If voters do not approve the recommended budget, the default budget of $3,303,352 will be implemented. The default budget is the same budget as this year, with adjustments required by contractual obligations or any previous action by the town.

Also on the warrant is Article 2, which asks residents to approve a highway improvement bond, in the amount of up to $750,000, for road reconstruction and paving. A three-fifths majority vote is required for the article to pass. The bond would be paid through “pay-as-you-go” financing, with help from the block grant the town receives each year from the state.

Article 4 asks residents to authorize creating a special revenue fund for the annual highway block grant from the state. Through this fund, the grant money would be allocated to pay off the bond, addressed in Article 2, for the highway improvements.

Currently, funds received through the State Highway Block Grant go in the town’s general fund.

In March, if Article 2 fails, Article 4 becomes null and void.

Also on the town’s warrant will be proposals to enter into a lease/purchase agreement for a new ambulance and to make the fifth of five annual payments for the town’s fire engine.

Other warrant articles ask voters to deposit surplus money into the highway equipment fund, town buildings maintenance fund, and the fund for matching any state grants.

Voters will also be asked to make the road agent and town treasurer appointed positions, rather than elected positions.

A petition warrant article will also ask voters to make the town clerk’s position full-time, working 35 hours a week, rather than part-time, currently working 30 hours per week, at the cost of $15,681.

Residents will take a final vote on the warrant articles on March 12, at the Parish Center at St. Joseph’s Church, at 844 First New Hampshire Turnpike. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.